Here we are in a world without a recognized American conflict. And there we were, on the red carpet of the NYC Veterans Day Parade in the back of the Dodge WC-51, when Fran Racioppi and Sarah Apgar and were joined by two of our nation’s most important organizations in the transition of our Veterans to civilian life. 

In this third of three episodes covering the NYC Veterans Day Parade, Fran and Sarah talk to Wounded Warrior Project CEO LTG Mike Linnington and Commissioner James Hendon who is leading NYC Department of Veterans Services. 

They cover the resources their respective organizations are bringing to our Veterans through programs focused on recruitment, entrepreneurship, mental health, and medical care. Both Wounded Warrior Project and NYC Department of Veterans’ Services set the example for how non-profits and our communities are embracing our Veteran population and the skills they bring to our civilian workforce.

For more Veterans Day coverage find our two previous episodes  with CBS’s SEAL Team lead actor David Boreanaz, Grand Marshall of the parade Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Vince Patton, and NYC’s most famous entertainer the Naked Cowboy!

Highlights:

-0:00 Welcome to the WC-51 LTG(R) Mike Linnington

-4:00 Everyday is Veterans Day for Wounded Warrior Project

-5:22 What our nation needs in it’s military leaders

-7:44 Bringing Veterans together 

-8:55 Welcome Commissioner James Hendon

-10:27 The priorities of NYC Department of Veterans Services

-14:40 Creating opportunities for our Veterans

-17:36 Infantalizing our Veterans 

Quotes:

- “Everyday for us is Veterans Day.” (4:06)

- ‘We have incredible technology but leadership at the end of the day is the force multiplier that others don’t have.” (6:30)

- “Folks won’t show up for a mental health appointment but they will show up to regain that sense of cohesion and camaraderie they had in the military.” (7:49)

- “New York City is the only city in the country with its own Veterans Services agency.” (10:54)

- “Our women Veterans is the fastest growing demographic of Veterans.” (14:09)

- “It’s important that we not infantalize our Veterans.” (17:36)

This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, GORUCK, Retro Fitness, Just Ice Tea, Rhone, Compass Workforce Solutions, 18A Fitness, & Analytix Solutions